Battle of Stone River

Description

"Battle of Stone River, Tenn. The decisive charge of General Negley's division across the river- the Confederates flying in confusion. We question if a more spirited sketch was ever published than our double-page engraving representing the final charge of General Negley's division, on the afternoon of Friday, January 2nd, 1863, at the battle of Murfreesborough, or Stone River. About four o'clock in the afternoon General Rosecrans, seeing that the critical moment had arrived, gave orders for General Negley to cross the river and drive the enemy from his position. This was done in a manner worthy of the most disciplined troops in the world. The Eighteenth Ohio Regiment dashed into the river, the Nineteenth Illinois and Twenty-first Ohio following close behind. Our artist reported: 'The scene was grand in the extreme. It was indeed a momentous battle on a miniature scale. Nothing could resist our gallant men; on they rushed; the Confederates met the shock then wavered, and then were driven back at the bayonet's point, step by step, for some half mile, when they broke and fled, ever and anon rallying to check our too hasty pursuit. Night fell on the scene, and the victors and vanquished rested from their strife. Thus was won the great battle of Stone River, in which, if ever men met foemen worthy of their steel, they met them then.'"— Frank Leslie, 1896